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New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

How can something as simple as giving a worry to a God who loves you be so hard to do? It’s not as if you enjoy worrying. Well, perhaps not enjoy, which implies that worry is a pleasure that you turn to in times of fear or doubt or despair. Maybe the word should be familiar. Worrying is a familiar response, a comfort zone where you feel that you’re making a difference, affecting a change at some level. Perhaps worrying makes you feel as if you are taking action in a situation where you have little or no control.

—Patricia Wilson, Freedom from Worry: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2012)

Today’s Question

How often do you worry about things you can’t control?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
—Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Loving God, I am weighed down by worrying so much. Help me remember that you care for me and my needs. I bring my anxieties to you and trust in your power to relieve them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Join us for our next online Academy Day Apart retreat as we continue the work of antiracism in ourselves and in our faith communities. Courageous Church: Confronting Whiteness in Worship and Community will invite and equip clergy and lay leaders to reimagine liturgical practices in ways that open up horizons of possibility, avenues for liberation, visions of communal salvation, and the building of beloved community. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

2 Comments

  • Julie Posted July 18, 2022 8:30 am

    All the time, every day and constantly. I try and try to turn to God, but it is so difficult.
    Megan and I spent the day yesterday running errands. We had plans in town but the venue was outside and it rained most of the day so we just went shopping. We did spend time in Barnes and Nobles which we both enjoy so much.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for David’s release from rehab and improved stability and Ally’s disability appeal’s approval and all her kitties health to improve. Prayers for Jill’s tennis partner’s knee to heal well and for Jill’s contnued grief over Roger, may her heart heal in her time. Prayers for Robert to have safe travel today and arrive safely at his daughter’s.

  • Jill Posted July 18, 2022 3:10 pm

    I used to be a worrier…following in the example set by mom. But, thanks be to God, He has freed me from this bondage. It is so noticeable and obvious and I am flooded with gratitude. He can and does change hearts.
    Summer school today – there are five days where students can come in for assistance on their projects. Three showed up today. Thought there would be more, but we will see who shows on Wednesday.
    Met one of my former coaches for lunch. Most pleasant to catch up. We usually try to do this once a year – but with the pandemic, it had been a few years. She is doing well.
    Last tennis match this evening for my regular partner and club. We invited back former team members – will have a gathering full of laughs and memories following the matches.

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